Spots open for trip to Sault Ste. Marie's sister city in Japan

Plans are currently underway for the a local delegation to embark on a trip to Ryou-Cho, Japan, Sault Ste. Marie's eldest sister city on the other side of the world.

STAFF REPORTSSAULT STE. MARIE — Plans are currently underway for the a local delegation to embark on a trip to Ryou-Cho, Japan, Sault Ste. Marie's eldest sister city on the other side of the world.City Spencer Nebel said final numbers are still being worked on as far as costs, but came up with $2,300 as the worst-case scenario for each individual looking to make the trip. Nebel added those costs may go down depending on the number of participants.The itinerary calls for the group to depart from Sault Ste. Marie on Wednesday May 22 and arrive in Japan on May 23. The $2,300 calculation includes air fare and up to two nights in a hotel. For the remainder of the rip, visitors with the Sault Ste. Marie delegation will enjoy free lodging, meals and transportation with their host families. The trip is scheduled to conclude with a May 30 departure from Ryou-Cho with arrival back in the United States the same day.Sault residents including members of the Sault Ste. Marie City Commission and other city employees have participated in this program on previous visits. Nebel was quick to point out that all who venture to Japan — be they private citizens or under the city's banner — are required to pay their own way for the trip.For more information regarding the upcoming trip contact Spencer or Angela Nebel at 632-7142.Interested parties must sign up no later than Feb. 18, to be eligible for this trip. Nebel also added that space is limited and reservations will be made on a first come, first served basis.